A Delightful Stay at the Marquess of Exeter: Lyddington's Hidden Gem

England is home to many charming villages. One such village is Lyddington (in the county of Rutland in the East Midlands) in Leicestershire. And nestled in this little, charming village is The Marquess of Exeter - a pub and restaurant that is a delightful blend of authentic Indian and traditional English dining. Located in a picturesque setting and known for its welcoming atmosphere, this historic pub offers a perfect escape for those seeking delicious cuisine and a relaxing environment. Whether you're stopping by for a hearty meal, a refreshing drink or a comfortable overnight stay, the Marquess of Exeter promises a memorable experience in the heart of the English countryside.

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The Marquess of Exeter has been under the ownership of Michelin Bib Gourmand chef, Krishnapal Negi since the Spring of 2022. The main draw at The Marquess of Exeter is Chef Negi's affordable Indian menu (called Krishna's Indian Menu) that features recipes he loved growing up in the Himalayas in India. The menu is simple and focuses on light and flavourful dishes that are authentically Indian.

Staying at The Marquess of Exeter

I think having guest rooms in a pub offers the advantage of providing a convenient and enjoyable stay for visitors, allowing them to dine and relax without needing to travel elsewhere for accommodation. And that is the case with The Marquess of Exeter. They have 17 comfortable en-suite bedrooms (in a separate building) making it a great choice for a weekend getaway. And its location in Lyddington is a big plus point - makes it a peaceful retreat from urban life.

As we made our way to The Marquess of Exeter, we couldn't help ourselves from being charmed by the traditional limestone houses in the village. It was like journeying back in time with each stone structure telling a story. The Marquess of Exeter, which occupies a prime spot in the village, is a Grade II listed building and has the same golden hues of the limestone. A building full of charm and a welcoming vibe!

A similar welcoming attitude was shown by the manager, Mr Hanuman, who with his genuine friendliness made sure that we had an enjoyable experience at The Marquess.

We stayed in one of the Superior Double Rooms at The Marquess. The room was incredibly spacious, offering ample room to move and relax. It featured a large, comfortable bed, a cosy sitting area and a generous desk, creating a perfect blend of comfort and functionality.

It was a well-kitted-out room providing all the comforts and conveniences of home. Plush bedding and pillows to ensure a restful sleep, along with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV for entertainment, Wi-Fi and a tea/coffee maker for refreshment needs were provided in the room. Thoughtful touches like a spacious desk, a chaise lounger, ample storage space,iron/ironing board and a hairdryer added to the convenience.

The bed was spacious and super comfortable and was perfect for a great night's sleep.

The en-suite bathroom was clean and equipped with toiletries, soft towels, a bath and a shower.

Overall, the room was very good - a generous layout, well-kitted-out with thoughtful amenities and a good blend of luxury and convenience.

Dining Experience at The Marquess of Exeter

The restaurant at The Marquess of Exeter is a beautiful space. It is wonderfully decorated, blending modern elegance with rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams added to the charm, giving the space a warm, rustic feel, making it cosy and inviting. The space was also adorned with elegant artefacts which offered an ode to Chef Negi's homeland, India.

As with The Falcon at Hatton (also Chef Negi's venue), the menu includes two sections - traditional Pub Classics and Krishna's Menu. There was a third menu - Krishna's Specials. We tried the Indian fare.

Our starters were - Samosa Chaat and Mango Paneer Shashlik. And both were amazing! 

Samosa chaat is a popular Indian street food that combines the delicious flavours and textures of samosas (crispy flour patties) with tangy and spicy toppings made with yogurt, tamarind and spices. The dish was as flavourful to eat as pleasing it was to the eye. A perfect, authentic chaat that reminded us of India.

The Mango Paneer Shashlik was delicious. Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) & bell pepper were marinated, grilled in the tandoor & served with a hint of sweet mango chutney. It was a delicious dish that was both visually appealing and tantalising to the taste buds.

The drinks we chose, perfectly complemented the starters. The refreshing Bombay Sapphire G&T paired beautifully with the Mango Paneer Shashlik balancing the heat with a burst of tangy flavors. The chilled Old Mout Cider was a great match for the Samosa Chaat.

For the main course, we opted for Butter Naan and Cheese Naan (naan stuffed with mild cheddar cheese) along with Vegetable Masala (seasonal vegetables cooked in a buttery tomato & cashew nut gravy) and Laal Maas (lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce with kashmiri chilli powder, coriander, ginger & garlic).

All the dishes were served hot and fresh, and each bite was delicious.

After finishing the main course, we indulged in Kulfi - the Indian version of ice cream, but with a denser and creamier texture. We tried the Mango Kulfi and the Tri-flavoured Kulfi. It was the perfect way to conclude the meal.

The sweetness of the Kulfi offered a delightful contrast to the savoury dishes that came before, providing a satisfying end to the dining experience.

I must also mention here about the staff. The Manager, Mr. Hanuman, and his team (including Mohan) ensured that the service was warm and friendly making the experience even better. It was a great meal that we’ll remember fondly.

Out and About

Rutland is England’s smallest historic county but packs a punch in terms of attractions.

Rutland Water, one of the largest man made lakes in Europe, is around 20 minutes (by car) from The Marquess of Exeter. There is lots you can see and do at Rutland Water - go cycling, go sailing, enjoy watersports, explore the nature reserve, enjoy the walking trails or simply relax at Barnsdale with a picnic.

Around 15 minutes from The Marquess of Exeter is Rutland Farm Park which is a great place for families. You get to meet and interact with a range of farm animals.

Under half an hour from The Marquess is Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age. You can explore the stately house and its gardens or stroll through the historic Deer Park planned by Capability Brown.

For those who love nature reserves, there's the Rutland Water Nature Reserve under half an hour from The Marquess. There are a number of nature trails here along with 30 bird watching hides. If you visit during the summer months,  you can see their resident Ospreys.

These are just some of the things to do in Rutland. You can talk to the team at The Marquess and they will be able to suggest places of interest nearby.

Final Thoughts

Our overall experience at the Marquess of Exeter was wonderful. The room we stayed in was spacious and well-equipped, making our stay incredibly comfortable. The food, which was one of the reasons we visited this venue, was excellent. And the staff were friendly and attentive.

If you’re looking for a charming and comfortable pub hotel in Lyddington, then look no further than the Marquess of Exeter.

Book your stay at The Marquess of Exeter

Prices start from £85 for a Standard Single Room (Bed & Breakfast Rate) and go up to £155 (Bed & Breakfast Rate) for the Family Room. Dogs are welcome in selected rooms, but have to be accompanied at all times. £10 extra is charged for each dog in accommodation.

To book a table, visit www.marquessexeter.co.uk

The Marquess of Exeter also offer bespoke wedding packages and other private celebration packages. You can use the details below to contact The Marquess of Exeter for reservations and other enquiries.

The Marquess of Exeter | 52 Main Street, Lyddington, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9LT
Phone | 01572 822 477  
Email | [email protected]